Three local women have launched a new home care service in Hampton, Twickenham and Virginia Water and surrounding areas. The Walfinch home care business will now provide elderly care, companion care and a range of other care services to support people living in their own homes.
“Covid did many terrible things, but one of the few good outcomes was that it made people care about their communities,” says Lyn Leagas. As a result Lyn and her long-time friends Judith Spencer and Angela Pinto started a Walfinch home care franchise.
“We're determined to improve the quality of life for local people, and our new franchise will mean we can turn our commitment into action,” says Lyn, who is Co-Managing Director with Judith and Angela.
They will offer hourly care, live-in care and companion care, plus care tailored to suit clients with a range of conditions including dementia – all carefully personalised to suit the needs of clients.
Lyn has always worked in service industries, including jobs in both live-in and domiciliary care.
“Most of my career was in logistics, but my care experience was always in the back of my mind,” says Lyn. “Ten months into a logistics job in air freight services, I was scrabbling around to find 5p off the cost of sending a package overseas, and I thought, 'no-one really cares about this. I want work that makes a real difference to people's lives.'”
Won over by the Mum Test
Lyn, Judith (who also has home care experience), and Angela, who has run her own business, decided to use their skills to start a home care service. They rejected going it alone, and instead talked to several home care franchises.
Lyn says: “We chose Walfinch because of The Mum Test. Walfinch insists that everyone they recruit should be a person they would like to see looking after their own mums. That, and the fact that fun is one of the Walfinch business values, swung it for us – plus Walfinch Managing Director Amrit Dhaliwal's infectious enthusiasm!”
Valuable support
Although the three friends had care and business experience, their new business came with challenges. “Thank goodness we chose a franchise rather than starting up alone. The support and help from Walfinch's head office team has been invaluable,” says Lyn. “They are always patient and willing to explain things to ensure you fully understand. They lift you up so you feel valued.
“The other franchisees are very helpful too. Everyone really wants you to succeed. Our new Registered Manager Tina Kenny says she has never worked in a care business with such as sense of community – and neither have I.”
The friends are already marketing their services locally. “We have taken a stall at a parish winter fair, so local people will get to know us,” says Lyn.
“It's wonderful to see our determination to do something meaningful taking practical shape!”